The Moon Symphony

Moon Goddess

When I regained consciousness, I saw the face of a young woman before me. Behind her is a full moon illuminating the whole scenery. I can feel the gentle breeze on my face.

Slowly, the woman walked towards me. I was surprised that it feels like she is floating in thin air. As the gap got closer, I can see her features well. She was wearing a veil, as white as snow. On top of her head was a crown made from diamonds and pearls. Her gown was the shade of silver and light blue embroidered with topaz and diamonds.

She lifted her veil, and her face was so angelic. I can feel my jaw dropped in awe. What I noticed is her eyes were glittering like the moon. I can feel the calmness radiating from here.

"Who are you?" I asked the woman.

"I am Mayari, the goddess of the moon. One of the guardian deities of this realm. I govern the souls of the dead." She said.

After Mayari said those words, memories started to flashback. I remember everything from that accident.

"How about the kid? Is she okay?" I asked worriedly.

"You don't have to worry. She is safe. Your act of bravery saved her." Mayari said, smiling.

"Phew! Thank goodness." I said, feeling relieved.

"Oh, I'm dead? Aren't I?"

"Yes, you died from that accident. You are so young. How heart-rendering, but because of your sacrifice, I want to give you another chance." Mayari said.

Another chance? Like those shows, I've watched?

"Yes, you can consider it like that. Your bravery ignited a new light, reaching this realm. So instead of sending you to the underworld, you will be reborn in a different world." Mayari explained.

"But don't worry, I want you to live happily in your next life, so if you have a request or wish, you can say so." Mayari said.

I was surprised by what she said. Then I remembered my mother and sister. What will happen to them? I am the only one supporting them.

"Okay, I only have a wish. Since I will be gone from the real world, I want my family to live well and happy." I said.

"Sure. You are a kind-hearted person. Thinking of your loved ones. I'll grant your request." Mayari said.

Small fluttering lights gathered around Mayari's palm. Little by little, the light grew brighter illuminating the surroundings. Then the light slowly floated up and vanished.

"Okay, I'm done."Mayari said and smiled at me.

"Thank you so much." I said.

"You're welcome. In a few moments, you will be reincarnated to Orient Seas. The land that we deities oversee. Like I said earlier, I want you to be happy, so I will be giving you blessings to help you thrive in Orient Seas." Mayari said.

Mayari then pointed towards my left arm. I suddenly felt a stinging pain. I looked at my arm and saw it glowing. A symbol resembling the moon was tattooed on my arm.

"What is this?" I asked.

She just smiled and said. You will know once you arrive there.

"Oh, by the way, I just want to remind you that for you to achieve real happiness, you will face hardships that I know you can surpass. You will have a lot of encounters that will help you grow. Remember to always believe in what your heart says and be reasonable in your actions always." Mayari said.

As soon as she said that, I can feel my consciousness fading slowly.

I tried to look in Mayari's direction and I saw her smiling at me.

That's what I can remember before coming to this world. I thought that I was just dreaming and will wake up soon, but this is my reality now.

Ester told me that I was asleep for almost a week after passing out from that day. Thankfully, some of my injuries already healed except my fractured leg. I am still feeling light-headed but the medicine Anan made helped a lot. I was surprised that he can brew herbal medicine, though it tasted a bit bitter. I am not complaining but I'm not a fan of bitter or bland tasting foods. Too much MSG from the world I came from.

Ester would visit me together with Ai Ena, our Mother every other day.

Ester always told me stories and helped me remember things that I cannot recognize at all. They thought that because of the accident that I had during the hunt, I suffered from memory loss. I cannot tell them that I was reborn as Ayari in this world, that the Ayari that they are talking to right now is not the same one they used to know. I thought that this body will retain its memories from this world, but everything is still vague and fuzzy. All I can remember from this world, is an altar, the sea, and the bright sun.

There are a lot of things that bother me, but I need to adapt to this world. As like what Mayari said, this will be a second chance in rebuilding myself.

I walked towards the window of my room and looked at the surroundings. Nature, like I've always dreamed of. I wanted to go hiking or visit some places from the real world, but I can't. I don't have time to think about myself. I always thought about the welfare of family there.

I am enjoying the scenery now. Everything is so pleasing to the eyes. The green fields, calming my inner soul. The flowers blooming giving peace to my mind. The gentle breeze lifts my spirits. This is what I did not experience before reincarnating as Ayari. From the real world, everything was taken over by technology. Busy and loud streets, crowded with people. Everything moves fast to earn and survive. Compared to the life of people here, everything looked happy living a simple life.

Later in the afternoon, I asked Anan to go with me to the nearby river. I told him that I just want to relax. At first, Anan did not agree because I am not fully recovered yet. I asked him again and again, and he agreed.

Anan assisted me while walking and I was more amazed by what I saw outside. The village looked like from those documentaries I watched. The house was made from indigenous materials, everything that you can find in nature. Some of them are made from bricks created from clay and dried under the sun.

We continued to walk towards the riverbanks and I was greeted by people that I do not recognize. I just smiled at them and tried to hide the fact that I don't know them. I feel bad somehow.

We reached the riverbank and Anan assisted me to sit under the tree nearby. I was amazed by the place. It felt so good. Anan then told me that he will pick up some herbs and return to pick me up. He told me not to wander alone like I will cause trouble. It felt like he was the older brother and I was the younger one. I told him not to worry about me. I know that they are worried because the old Ayari got involved in a mess causing his body to be injured.

I slowly walked towards the river and looked at my reflection. Ayari and I resemble each other a lot. The only difference is his features are more defined than what I looked like from the real world. Ayari looks more mature and handsome.

Oh well, I am Ayari now. I have to live happily from now on like what the Moon Goddess said.

Later, Anan returned carrying a basket full of herbs. He said that all of this was for me. He will use them to make medicines for me to recover fast. I was touched by how caring Anan can be.

I looked at Anan and examine his features. He looked handsome and at the same time pretty. On the first day I awakened as Ayari, I thought she was a girl. I was shocked that he was called bro by Ester.

I was so busy with my thoughts and I did not notice that I was laughing.

"Are you okay, big brother? Why are you laughing?", Anan asked.

"Oh nothing, just don't mind me", I said and patted his head.

Anan just smiled at me. I was embarrassed. He might think that his brother hit his head hard laughing without any reason.

Anan helped me and we decided to return home. While on our way back, I asked him things that I was curious about. I told him that my memory is still fuzzy and I am having a hard time recalling things.

Anan told me that the village where we live in the Moon Village, Bulan. He also said that our tribe is governed by the goddess Mayari, Tala, and Hanan. I know who Mayari was because she was the one who helped me to reincarnate in the Orient Seas. I got curious about what Tala and Hanan looked like. Anan told me that Tala governs the stars in the night sky while Hanan rules the morning and the lands.

I was fascinated by Anan's stories about the deities.

As we continued to walk, a chill suddenly ran down my spine. It feels like we were being followed. Anan must have sensed it too and looked at me. I told him that we just continue walking and ignore it. We walked cautiously.

The sense of danger continued to rise. I held Anan's hand to comfort him. He was trembling with fear.

I have to do something, but what?

Then, a grotesque monster leaped in front of us. It looked like a decaying animal resembling a wolf. Its flesh was torn and bones sticking out.

"Anan, get behind me and when I count to three, ran as fast as you can", I said.

"I can't leave you behind big brother", Anan said, worried.

"Just listen to me okay, I will be okay", I said.

The monster was getting ready to attack us. It was about to leap, and I shouted.

"Three, Anan! Now."

The monster jumped towards me but before it could reach us, a dazzling ray of light came out from my left arm. The monster took a direct hit and vanished into thin air.

I was shocked by what happened. I looked at my arm and it's still glowing. The moon symbol glowed brightly.

"What was that?"